Presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies and elevated serum immunoglobulin G levels: is this primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome?

Authors

  • Najihan Abdul Samat Muttaqillah Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Asrul Abdul Wahab Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Chuan Hun Ding Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Marlyn Mohammad Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Suvra Biswas Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Md. Mostafizur Rahman Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2014-660

Keywords:

autoimmune hepatitis, anti-mitochondrial antibody, anti-nuclear antibody, overlap syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis

Abstract

Primary biliary cirrhosis in combination with autoimmune hepatitis has been termed “overlap syndrome”, but its diagnosis is challenging. We report a case of a 43-year-old lady who presented with a six-month history of jaundice and pruritus. She subsequently developed gum bleeds. Laboratory investigations revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, abnormal coagulation profiles, elevated serum alanine transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, and raised serum IgG and IgM levels. Her serum was also positive for anti-nuclear and anti-mitochondrial antibodies. The findings from her abdominal CT scan were suggestive of early liver cirrhosis and the histopathological examination results of her liver biopsy were consistent with primary biliary cirrhosis. The patient was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and her liver function test parameters normalized after six months.

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Published

2015-01-30

How to Cite

Muttaqillah, N. A. S., Abdul Wahab, A., Ding, C. H., Mohammad, M., Biswas, S., & Rahman, M. M. (2015). Presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies and elevated serum immunoglobulin G levels: is this primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome?. EXCLI Journal, 14, 175–178. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2014-660

Issue

Vol. 14 (2015)

Section

Case reports

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